<p><span class="p-body">Justin Chanda has spent over a decade at the forefront of children's publishing as the leader of Simon &amp; Schuster's children's trade imprints, a role he holds alongside his long-standing teaching position in the NYU SPS <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-publishing.html">MS in Publishing</a> program. His unique vantage point, simultaneously steering major industry decisions and guiding the next generation of publishing professionals, enriches every class with real-time insights and practical expertise. We were grateful for the opportunity to learn more about Chanda’s expertise.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">For Chanda, the continuous trend cycle of children's publishing makes every day interesting. &quot;One year, picture books might drive the conversation; another year, it's middle grade series, and later, young adult (YA) titles dominate,&quot; Chanda explains. He actively integrates these trends into his classroom, bringing current examples directly into discussions. &quot;Marketing and publicity evolve rapidly, especially digitally,&quot; he says, highlighting his approach to dissecting ongoing campaigns with students. Yet, despite constant change, Chanda firmly grounds his teaching in a timeless principle: &quot;Publishing books that inspire a generation of readers is the goal that never changes.&quot;</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">When evaluating manuscripts, Chanda looks for universally essential qualities across all age groups. &quot;Character development, atmosphere, readability, emotional core—these elements matter equally whether it’s a 300-word picture book or a 300-page YA novel,&quot; he states. Chanda seeks works that resonate deeply, inspire lifelong affection, and prompt readers to see themselves reflected in meaningful narratives.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">His commitment to editing 10–15 books annually ensures his teaching remains deeply connected to real-world publishing. &quot;I consider myself a hands-on publisher,&quot; Chanda notes. &quot;We have nothing without the books themselves. Staying involved in the process of bringing them to life is imperative.&quot; This dual perspective informs his classes, which include both editorial practices and critical business realities such as marketing strategies, sales projections, and financial analyses.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">One of Chanda's primary objectives is preparing students for the competitive realities of the publishing industry. He remarks that &quot;entry-level jobs are finite,&quot; and students must be prepared to seize opportunities swiftly. Chanda implements practical assignments that mirror the tasks new employees face immediately upon entering the industry. &quot;I want students to have tangible knowledge about expectations and the interviewing process,&quot; he says, proudly noting that Simon &amp; Schuster has hired more than a dozen of his students, many of whom he still collaborates with today.</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">To illustrate the balance of art and commerce inherent in publishing, Chanda regularly facilitates classroom debates on manuscripts' editorial strengths versus their commercial viability. &quot;We read, discuss, and debate both published books and unpublished manuscripts,&quot; he explains.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Picture books hold a special place in Chanda's heart, and he dedicates substantial time in his courses to analyzing their unique complexities. &quot;Great picture books combine accessibility, rhythmic language, dramatic page turns, humor, and artwork that elevates the narrative,&quot; Chanda elaborates. His passion for the format translates into energetic classroom discussions aimed at sharpening students' critical understanding and editorial instincts.</span></p>

<p><span class="p-body">Addressing common misconceptions about children's publishing is another essential part of Chanda’s curriculum. He firmly dispels the myth that children’s publishing is less demanding or serious than adult publishing. &quot;The children's book industry is a six-billion-dollar enterprise,&quot; he emphasizes. &quot;We foster the next generation of readers, catering to some of the most voracious reading audiences. It's demanding and requires serious skill.&quot;</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Ultimately, what Chanda finds most rewarding about teaching at NYU SPS is connecting deeply with passionate, curious students. &quot;I hope my students discover the excitement of producing books for young readers…I hope they consider career paths they hadn't thought of before and leave feeling genuinely excited about the work.&quot;</span></p> <p><span class="p-body">Chanda encourages students to develop essential industry skills, such as articulating a clear point of view, embracing collaboration, and intimately understanding their audience. &quot;Appreciating books is important, but not enough,&quot; he concludes. &quot;Publishing success requires critical thinking, a coherent perspective, and readiness to learn and adapt to audience needs.&quot;</span></p> <p><b data-rte-class="rte-temp"><span class="p-body">Have a hand in inspiring the next generation of book lovers when you pursue an <a href="/content/sps-nyu/explore/degrees-and-programs/ms-in-publishing.html">MS in Publishing</a> at NYU SPS.</span></b></p>